LIV Golf could axe trademark feature amid funding crisis
LIV Golf could axe trademark feature amid funding crisis
Kylee Hansen Sat, June 13, 2026 at 8:55 AM UTC
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LIV Golf could be seeing another format change
LIV Golf could be seeing another format change (Image: Getty Images)
LIV Golf appears set to eliminate another hallmark of its distinctive format in a bid to cut costs, just months after making the switch from 54 to 72 holes at the start of the season.
The Saudi-backed league is facing a potential shutdown after the PIF announced it would pull its funding following the 2026 season. The PIF has reportedly yet to pay for the final two events on LIV's schedule, as CEO Scott O'Neil frantically searches for alternative investment.
At the outset of the 2026 season, LIV Golf overhauled its format from 54 holes to 72, effectively undermining the meaning behind the name LIV, which translates to '54' in Roman numerals. Now, in a further cost-cutting move, the league may be looking to abandon its trademark shotgun start format. It comes as Phil Mickelson kicked out of golf club after inappropriate conduct allegations.
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The shotgun start sees all players tee off simultaneously on different holes across the course. Most professional golf tournaments, including those on the PGA Tour, typically send players through tees 1 and 10 at staggered intervals throughout the day, ensuring play wraps up before nightfall.
Veteran golf journalist Bob Harig reports that the shotgun start is both prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging from a broadcasting standpoint.
LIV Golf faces an uncertain future (Image: undefined)
"According to sources familiar with how LIV operates, its budget for TV production last year was in the neighborhood of $85 to $90 million for the 14-event schedule, which doesn't include the salaries of the on-air talent," Harig wrote.
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"That works out to approximately $6 million per event, or roughly double what it costs to produce a PGA Tour event. And the PGA Tour has media rights deals and sponsorship arrangements that help the various networks cover those costs.
"LIV, of course, is doing all this on its own and without the robust TV rights and sponsorship fees to cover the costs. Although the league has reported year-over-year increases in both areas and has seen positive response in a handful of its international markets, such gains were viewed in the bigger picture of the Saudi Arabia benefactor."
The league is grappling with enormous uncertainty, and Rahm's future hangs in the balance as LIV Golf searches for potential investors, with the remainder of this season far from guaranteed. CEO Scott O'Neil told CNBC: "What I can guarantee is a heck of a return if you come invest in this business."
Just days ago, O'Neil stated he must trust that the PIF will honor their commitment, as funds are directed toward employees, tournament operations, and some of the world's elite players.
"I can say they've been terrific partners so far," O'Neil told CNBC. "And you have to take an incredible organization like PIF at their word. They've been very public about funding us through the season, so we are full steam ahead. The players are locked in. The management team is locked in."
O'Neil revealed to CNBC that he had held five meetings with prospective investors that week, with 18 more already lined up. O'Neil stated: "We have incredible business momentum," before adding, "What we don't have is a lot of time. So we're very urgently out there talking to those who are interested. We like the pool, but we have to get this done through the summer."
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Source: “AOL Money”
